The Difference Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga

Did you know that yin yoga and restorative yoga aren’t the same thing?

Sound the alarm!!

Many people don’t! But it’s true, these types of yoga– while similar, certainly– are actually quite different.

In this post, I’ll be sharing what the differences between these two styles of yoga are and how to decide which style may be best for you.

Pin me first? Then keep reading!

Yin Yoga

Image via Yoga Journal

Yin yoga is a practice that focuses on stretching your connective tissues (particularly the fascia) in order to strengthen and lengthen them. Poses are held for 3-5 minutes each and work with the energy meridians in your body as well as cultivating active stretch in your connective tissues to increase strength and flexibility, improve joint mobility, improve posture, and release trauma in the body.

Restorative Yoga

Image via BookYogaRetreats

Restorative yoga is a meditative practice that uses props like blocks, straps, sandbags, bolsters, and blankets to encourage a passive release of mind and body tension. This style works to release deep tension passively, without active stretch.

The Difference Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga

These practices are similar in the sense that they are slow, meditative practices focused on long holds. So how do they differ?

Stretch: In yin yoga, there is an active stretch but in restorative yoga, the goal is to be 100% supported and passive with no active stretch.

Focus:In yin yoga, the focus is on stretching your connective tissues but in restorative yoga, the focus is on the passive release of mind-body tension.

Props:Both styles may use props but in yin yoga, if props are used, they are used to either deepen or soften the stretch. In restorative yoga, props are used to completely support your body. Generally, restorative yoga will use far more props than yin, which may include straps, blankets, blocks, sandbags and especially bolsters.

Poses:Yin yoga poses are held for about 3-5 minutes, while restorative yoga poses are held for anywhere from 5-10 minutes.

Wondering which practice is best for you and your needs? Keep reading to find out!

Restorative Yoga pose via Yoga Journal

The Essence of Yin Yoga

Yin yoga is best for:

Increasing strength and flexibility

Keeping your joints healthy and mobile

Improving your posture

Releasing trauma and emotion stored in the connective tissues of the body

Bringing your negative thought patterns into your awareness so that you can work with them and release them

Some questions to ask before deciding:

Do you lead a very active lifestyle?

Are you holding onto narratives from the past that are no longer serving you?

Do you sit at a desk most of the day?

Are you 60+?

The Essence of Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga is best for:

Meditation

Stress release

Deep relaxation

Breath-work

Creating a sense of safety in the mind and body

Reaching a state of mindful rest (think yoga nidra— a sort of receptive trance practice)

Cultivating contentment

Some questions to ask before deciding:

Do you deal with an abnormal amount of stress and anxiety on a daily basis?

PS: Did you enjoy this article? Pin me!

About the Author

Eryn is a reiki practitioner, tarot reader, and trauma conscious yoga teacher whose work centers around using spiritual tools to come home to yourself. She is the host of the Living Open podcast for mystics and seekers, a show focused on helping listeners in their own evolution. If she’s not teaching yoga or reading tarot you can probably find her reading a book, buying plane tickets, or googling someone’s birth chart. Follow along with her work at www.living-open.com and www.instagram.com/erynj_